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EX EastEnders star Katie Jarvis has been supported by her fellow soap actors after it was revealed she was now working in a normal job.

EastEnders star Tamzin Outhwaite was one of the stars who supported Katie by revealing she also works a series of odd jobs, insisting: "It's called grafting".

The actress, 48, said there is "no shame" in working hard after it was reported Katie is now working as a security guard at B&M Bargains.

 Tamzin Outhwaite has defended her co-star Katie Jarvis working as a security guard in between acting jobs
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Tamzin Outhwaite has defended her co-star Katie Jarvis working as a security guard in between acting jobsCredit: PA:Press Association

The 28-year-old has been picking up work at the budget store since being axed as Hayley Slater - and her former colleagues have praised her work mentality.

Tamzin tweeted: "I am a landlady, a voice over artist, car boot salesperson, art dealer, up cyclist, interior designer, motivational speaker, and many other jobs...

"I have been a waitress, bartender, driver, painter,promotion girl spraying perfume in selfridges, cook, travel writer, tv extra, drama teacher, kid wrangler in panto season, commercials model and director, maitre D, podium dancer, meet and greet hostess...
"It’s what artists do to earn a living. They work in between jobs.

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 The 28-year-old is working for B&M
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The 28-year-old is working for B&MCredit: ISO Images

"It’s called Grafting! Or not being afraid of hard work... or loving your family enough to drop your dream for a bit to earn a living so the family can live life.

"And there is no shame in wanting to work hard to make sure your offspring are cared for. #noshame."

Tamzin returned to work on EastEnders in 2017 as Mel Owen.

Danny-Boy Hatchard also said: "Myself and other actors I know have been in positions many a time outside of acting jobs where we have felt it may be wise to work a normal job, whether it be because of financial hardship, new career prospects or simply an attempt to keep ourselves busy for our own sanity."

Katie joined the BBC One soap last year for a short-lived stint as Kat Slater's cousin.

She played a huge role in the 2018 Christmas storyline after having a baby with Kat's husband Alfie Moon.

She mysteriously left Walford in February with her exit confirmed two months later.

Katie told the she wanted to focus on her two children after taking a step back from acting.

 Tamzin plays Mel Owen in the BBC soap
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Tamzin plays Mel Owen in the BBC soapCredit: BBC

After the story emerged, Katie's ex co-stars - including Tamzin - started to post about their side jobs on social media.

Les Dennis said: "When I didn’t have an acting or presenting job I sold bleach and disinfectant door to door. I was proud to do this to pay the bills and put food on the table."

Ex EastEnders star Katie Jarvis now works as a B&M Bargains security guard after being axed as Hayley Slater
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